Their Music is Sky High

BY Diane Anderson-Minshall

February 16 2012 5:00 AM ET

"We wanted to make tracks like the music we listened to a lot in the '90s instead of re-creating the music that you hear on the radio today," says Nicole, who describes the new EP sound as R&B-based house. "We went independent because we felt our label didn't have our best interest in mind. We wanted to make music without everyone pulling us in different directions of 'what's hot' at the moment. It came directly from us, and that felt amazing. I think our fans have always appreciated the realness we give."

"When I heard Nina Sky's latest EP, I was blown away. It's so good. I want to get them in front of their lesbian fans and show them how much our community embraces them, appreciates Nicole coming out, and just plain loves their music," says Dinah producer Mariah Hanson.

Hanson should know. Each March over 20,000 women from around the globe flock to Palm Springs, Calif., for the world's biggest all-girl party and music festival. The parties are sun-drenched desert poolside shindigs, and the music is top-notch. The Dinah has helped push some artists into international fame, like Pussycat Dolls and Ke$ha. Artists at the top of their game, including Lady Gaga, have appeared on Dinah stages, as have veteran hit makers, including Pat Benatar, the Indigo Girls, and Salt-N-Pepa. This year all eyes are on Nina Sky.

With a new (as yet untitled) album coming out this spring and "You," a recent collaboration with Creep's Lauren Flax and Lauren Dillard, gaining traction, the twins are busy shooting videos, dropping singles, and wooing fangirls (and guys) everywhere they go.

"Our fan base look like the coolest motha effas you've ever seen," says Natalie, without a hint of irony. "We absolutely adore our fans and are so grateful for all the love and support they've given us over the years."

Though some naysayers might call a twin singing duo gimmicky ("What's the gimmick?" Natalie asks. "We were born this way!"), the two are content treading paths trod before by Tegan and Sara, another twin performing pair. The great music, hot girls, and queer activism come with a winky self-awareness.

Just how often does someone say, "Twins? Hot!" "We've heard this quite a few times," Natalie says with a smile. "Can't get mad at someone for stating the obvious."

That might be why they have more than their fair share of lesbians flying to Palm Springs this month just to see them. But can we call them groupies? Natalie is uncharacteristically coy: "You're going to have to come to a show to see for yourself."